Apple reportedly again thinking of becoming a mobile carrier


Business Insider:

Instead of paying your carrier every month, you will pay Apple directly for data, calls, and texts. Apple then provides you with everything you used to get from your carrier, but the Apple SIM switches between carriers to get the best service. The telecoms companies auction capacity to Apple so it can run the service.

Apple reportedly considered going this route with the original iPhone. That move was basically out of necessity. The iPhone was so disruptive the company found it challenging to partner with existing providers. It's interesting if they're continuing to pursue being a virtual carrier as they basically now run the market.

My one thought is in the last few years Apple seems to be positioning itself to be a bigger player in services. Apple could stand to receive a decent chunk of monthly consumer spending with subscription offerings such as Apple Music, rumored TV streaming service, this rumored mobile service, plus iCloud backup/photo storage.